Description

F3 is the third Fast-class (F-class) mission in ESA’s Science Programme. Two candidate missions will be selected by the Science Programme Committee (SPC) in November 2026 for Phase 0, and F3 mission selection is planned in November 2027. F3 mission adoption by the SPC is planned in June 2030 at Preliminary Design Review (PDR), with launch in 2034. 

Reporting to the Head of the Future Missions Department (SCI-F), you will be in charge of the mission Phase A/B and, subject to mission adoption by the SPC, Phases C/D/E1, until completion of the spacecraft in-orbit commissioning. 

You will be involved in Phase 0 and will lead the invitation to tender (ITT) for the industrial procurement contract, requesting the proposal for Phase A/B and a preliminary proposal for Phase C/D/E1. Parallel contracts are planned for Phase A/B, with selection of the prime contractor shortly after mission adoption.

Duties

You will be responsible for the definition, manufacturing and launch of the F3 space segment, including the follow-up of the science instruments and the preparation of the spacecraft operations (Mission Operations Centre [MOC] and Science Operations Centre [SOC]) with the support of ESOC and ESAC. You will manage the interface between the project, industrial partners and the scientific community as a whole. 

Your core task will be to lead the spacecraft development activities to ensure in-orbit performance within schedule and budget targets. You will manage all spacecraft-related activities under ESA’s responsibility, with the support of your project team. These include: 

• the spacecraft competitive definition Phase A/B, nominally involving two industrial prime candidates, following a design-to-cost approach while preserving the mission’s core scientific objectives; this phase will end upon mission adoption by the SPC and the selection of the industrial prime contractor;
• the spacecraft procurement, launch and in-orbit commissioning (Phases C/D/E1), which will conclude at the beginning of nominal in-orbit operations;
• monitoring all aspects of the delivery of the science instrument by the national teams, including pre-developments in Phase A/B to secure the schedule, technical interfaces, engineering tasks and schedule;
• procuring the science instrumentation elements under ESA’s responsibility;
• ensuring a smooth interface with the national agencies funding the payload;
• procuring the launch services;
• managing the ESA project team, including the project team in SCI-F and support provided by the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) and the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS);
• interfacing with the Project Scientist, the SOC Manager, and the MOC Manager in D/OPS;
• managing the project’s budget with the support of the Project Controller;
• preparing inputs and reports for delegate bodies, such as the SPC and the Industrial Policy Committee (IPC).

As not all mission elements are under ESA’s direct responsibility, a proactive approach is required to anticipate potential problems occurring in the partnership and propose mitigating actions to safeguard the mission’s general objectives. This includes complying with the schedule and project costs. Regular and ad hoc reporting to SCI-F is also required to ensure that the most appropriate solutions are chosen when critical decisions need to be made.

Managerial responsibilities include:

• defining and communicating a clear strategy for team objectives in line with overall project priorities;
• promoting an effective work environment by encouraging cooperation and collaboration within the team and with the various project interfaces;
• supporting team members with professional improvement and development.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in Engineering or Applied Physics is required for this post together with, in principle, 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

You must have the ability to: 

• drive performance and foster cooperation within the team and across interfaces;
• anticipate, analyse and solve complex problems;
• reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions that are of a high standard;
• demonstrate integrity;
• build positive relationships with both the scientific communities and industrial partners involved.

You must also have:

• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts;
• the ability to delegate where appropriate;
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• a structured and effective approach to planning and organisation, both for your own responsibilities and those of the team;
• the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts; 
• the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• the ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused;
• people management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.